Redundancy version modulation and coding scheme

ABSTRACT

A method, network node and wireless device are disclosed. According to one aspect, a network node is configured to select between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The first mode of operation includes generating a first downlink control information (DCI) message having a first number of bits. The second mode of operation includes selecting or generating a second DCI message having a second number of bits less that the first number of bits in at least one of the following fields: a redundancy version (RV) field, a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) field and a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process field.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/SE2019/050145, filed Feb. 18, 2019, which claims priority to SwedishApplication No. 1800044-8, filed on Feb. 16, 2018, the entireties ofboth of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and inparticular, to generating and signaling a compact downlink controlinformation (DCI) message by formatting at least one of a redundancyversion (RV) field, a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) field and ahybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process field.

BACKGROUND

Long Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR) (also known as “5G”)communication networks, wireless devices (WDs) and network nodes,provide for data transmission controlled by the network nodes usinggrants containing, among other things, the details of allocated spectrumresources and the modulation and coding scheme to be used to transmitover those resources. The modulation and coding scheme (MCS) is signaledin the downlink control information (DCI). DCI messages are typicallysent over the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). An example ofthis process in the downlink (DL), i.e., from the network node to theWD, and the uplink (UL), i.e., from the WD to the network node, is shownin FIG. 1.

The modulation and coding scheme field is an index pointing to entriesin the MCS table in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)specification, which, once combined with the resource allocation, willresult in the transport block size (TBS) that will be transmitted. Inlegacy systems, the reason for a range of values for the MCS is that theability of the WD to reliably receive or transmit depends on itslocation in the cell. A WD near the network node has a low path loss andcan be scheduled with a high order of modulation. In contrast, a WD atthe cell edge faces both high path loss and intercell interference, sothat the transmission must be coded with a stronger code rate andtransmitted with a lower order of modulation.

In LTE and NR, a framework for ultra-reliable, low latency communication(URLLC) is being standardized. In such a framework, WDs are expected totransmit at very low error rate (on the order of 0.001 percent) withinvery tight latency bounds (down to lms). The payload is expected to bevery small, on the order of hundreds of bits (one use case is 32 bytes).In systems where reliability is key, such as URLLC, having anunnecessarily large DCI can lead to performance and efficiency issues.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments advantageously provide methods, network nodes andwireless devices for generating and signaling compact DCI messages.Compact DCI messages can be achieved by generating fields of the DCImessage with reduced numbers of bits. Such fields where bits may bereduced include the redundancy version (RV) field, the modulation andcoding scheme (MCS) field and the hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ)process field.

In the case of URLLC, it is possible to design a set of MCS indices thatachieve a low error rate (and therefore a very low code rate) andachieve compact signaling (and therefore a small MCS table). Low coderates are needed for the scheduled physical downlink shared channel(PDSCH) transmission to be reliable and smaller MCS tables will allowthe control channel, such as the physical downlink control channel(PDCCH) or short PDCCH (sPDCCH), to be more reliable, even in a singletransmission.

At the same time, a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process forlow latency systems having a short transmission time interval (TTI),contains up to 16 HARQ processes and takes up to 4 bits in the DCIcontrol signaling. Some embodiments may include a reduced HARQ processfield size. Some embodiments may also include reduced MCS and transportblock size (TBS) tables based on the existing MCS/TBS tables in current3GPP specifications. The MCS/TBS tables can be designed for a certainuse, and the network operator can decide how and when to apply thatdesign. The MCS field in DCI can be reduced to a smaller number of bits,e.g., 3 or 4 bits, which can be interpreted by the WD based onconfiguration or dynamic observations. The HARQ process field in DCI canbe reduced as well, because the retransmission timeline is much shorterfor URLLC and there is only a small chance for HARQ processesoverlapping.

The transmission of the MCS and HARQ process field may be more compactand therefore more efficient channel coding can be applied, improvingthe reliability of the control channel. The new MCS values are focusedtoward lower code rates, improving the reliability of the downlinkshared channel.

Accordingly, some embodiments include a network node configured tocommunicate with a wireless device, WD. The network node is configuredto select between a first mode of operation and a second mode ofoperation. The network node is further configured to operate in theselected mode. The first mode of operation includes selecting orgenerating a first DCI message having a first number of bits. The secondmode of operation includes selecting or generating a second DCI messagehaving a second number of bits less than the first number of bits in atleast one of the following fields: an MCS field, an RV field, and a HARQprocess field.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the first and second DCImessages include scheduling messages for scheduling a data transmissionor a physical downlink shared channel, PDSCH, transmission. In someembodiments, the second DCI message has fewer than 5 MCS bits andindicates a subset of a table of configurable modulation and codingschemes. In some embodiments, a subset of modulation and coding schemesis selected based on a measure of channel quality. In some embodiments,the RV field has one bit or no bit, one bit indicating two RVs and nobit indicating one RV. In some embodiments, the HARQ process field hastwo bits, one bit or no bit, indicating four, two or one HARQ processes,respectively.

According to another aspect, a method implemented in a network node isprovided. The method includes selecting between a first mode ofoperation and a second mode of operation. The method also includesoperating in the selected mode. The first mode of operation includesselecting or generating a first DCI message having a first number ofbits. The second mode of operation including selecting or generating asecond DCI message having a second number of bits less than the firstnumber of bits in at least one of the following fields: an MCS field, anRV field, and a HARQ process field.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the first and second DCImessages include scheduling messages for scheduling a data transmissionor a physical downlink shared channel, PDSCH. In some embodiments, thesecond DCI message has fewer than 5 MCS bits and indicates a subset of atable of configurable modulation and coding schemes. In someembodiments, a subset of modulation and coding schemes is selected basedon a measure of channel quality. In some embodiments, the RV field hasone bit or no bit, one bit indicating two RVs and no bit indicating oneRV. In some embodiments, the HARQ process field has two bits, one bit orno bit, indicating four, two or one HARQ processes, respectively.

According to yet another aspect, a wireless device, WD, is configured tocommunicate with a network node. The WD is configured to select betweena first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The first modeof operation includes receiving and decoding a first DCI message havinga first number of bits. The second mode of operation includes receivingand decoding a second DCI message having a second number of bits lessthan the first number of bits in at least one of the following fields:an MCS field, an RV field, and a HARQ process field.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, when there is no RVfield, the WD assumes only one RV. In some embodiments, when there is noHARQ process field, the WD assumes only one HARQ process. In someembodiments, the first and second DCI messages include schedulingmessages for scheduling a data transmission or a physical downlinkshared channel, PDSCH, transmission.

According to another aspect, a method implemented in a wireless device,WD, is provided. The method includes selecting between a first mode ofoperation and a second mode of operation. The method also includesoperating in the selected mode. The first mode of operation includesreceiving and decoding a first DCI message having a first number ofbits. The second mode of operation includes receiving and decoding asecond DCI message having a second number of bits less than the firstnumber of bits in at least one of the following fields: an MCS field, anRV field, and a HARQ process field.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, when there is no RVfield, the WD assumes only one RV. In some embodiments, when there is noHARQ process field, the WD assumes only one HARQ process. In someembodiments, the first and second DCI messages include schedulingmessages for scheduling a data transmission or a physical downlinkshared channel, PDSCH, transmission.

According to one aspect, a network node is configured to generate ashort downlink control information, DCI, message omitting at least onebit of at least one of the following fields: a modulation and codingscheme, MCS, field; a redundancy version, RV, field; and a hybridautomatic repeat request, HARQ, field.

According to one aspect, a network node configured to communicate with awireless device (WD) is provided. The network node includes processingcircuitry configured to generate a short downlink control information,DCI, message omitting at least one bit of at least one of the followingfields: a modulation and coding scheme, MCS, field; a redundancyversion, RV, field; and a hybrid automatic repeat request, HARQ, field.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the short DCI has fewerthan 5 MCS field bits. In some embodiments, the MCS field represent onlya subset of modulation and coding schemes that may be utilized by thenetwork node. In some embodiments, the subset of modulation and codingschemes is selected based on a channel quality indicator. In someembodiments, the subset is explicitly identified to the WD by signalingfrom the network node. In some embodiments, there is no RV field. Insome embodiments, the RV field is 1 bit. In some embodiments, the HARQfield is less than three bits.

According to another aspect, a method implemented in a network node isprovided. The method includes generating a short downlink controlinformation, DCI, message omitting at least one bit of at least one ofthe following fields: a modulation and coding scheme, MCS, field; aredundancy version, RV, field; and a hybrid automatic repeat request,HARQ, field.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the short DCI has fewerthan 5 MCS field bits. In some embodiments, the MCS field represent onlya subset of modulation and coding schemes that may be utilized by thenetwork node. In some embodiments, the subset of modulation and codingschemes is selected based on a channel quality indicator. In someembodiments, the subset is explicitly identified to the WD by signalingfrom the network node. In some embodiments, there is no RV field. Insome embodiments, the RV field is 1 bit. In some embodiments, the HARQfield is less than three bits.

According to yet another aspect, a wireless device (WD) configured tocommunicate with a network node is provided. The WD is configured tointerpret a short downlink control information, DCI, message havingomitted at least one bit of at least one of the following fields: amodulation and coding scheme, MCS, field; a redundancy version, RV,field; and a hybrid automatic repeat request, HARQ, field.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, a bit in the MCS fieldindicates one of a subset of MCS. In some embodiments, when there is noRV field, the WD assumes an RV. In some embodiments, when there is noHARQ field only one HARQ process is implied.

According to yet another aspect, a method implemented in a wirelessdevice (WD) is provided. The method includes interpreting a shortdownlink control information, DCI, message having omitted at least onebit of at least one of the following fields: a modulation and codingscheme, MCS, field; a redundancy version, RV, field; and a hybridautomatic repeat request, HARQ, field.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, a bit in the MCS fieldindicates one of a subset of MCS. In some embodiments, when there is noRV field, the WD assumes an RV. In some embodiments, when there is noHARQ field only one HARQ process is implied.

According to another aspect, a network node includes a memory moduleconfigured to store a short downlink control information, DCI, message.The network node also includes a DCI generation module configured togenerate a short downlink control information, DCI, message omitting atleast one bit of at least one of the following fields: a modulation andcoding scheme, MCS, field; a redundancy version, RV, field; and a hybridautomatic repeat request, HARQ, field.

According to another aspect, a wireless device includes a memory moduleconfigured to store a short downlink control information, DCI, message.The wireless device also includes a DCI interpreter module configured tointerpret a short downlink control information, DCI, message havingomitted at least one bit of at least one of the following fields: amodulation and coding scheme, MCS, field; a redundancy version, RV,field; and a hybrid automatic repeat request, HARQ, field.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present embodiments, and theattendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readilyunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of uplink and downlink processing;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary network architectureillustrating a communication system connected via an intermediatenetwork to a host computer according to the principles in the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a host computer communicating via a networknode with a wireless device over an at least partially wirelessconnection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a hostcomputer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a network nodeaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a wirelessdevice according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary methods implemented in acommunication system including a host computer, a network node and awireless device for executing a client application at a wireless deviceaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary methods implemented in acommunication system including a host computer, a network node and awireless device for receiving user data at a wireless device accordingto some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary methods implemented in acommunication system including a host computer, a network node and awireless device for receiving user data from the wireless device at ahost computer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary methods implemented in acommunication system including a host computer, a network node and awireless device for receiving user data at a host computer according tosome embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a network nodeaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a wireless deviceaccording to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that theembodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components andprocessing steps related to compact DCI generation and signaling basedon reduced fields for redundancy versions (RV), modulation and codingschemes (MCS) and hybrid automatic repeat requests (HARQ). Accordingly,components have been represented where appropriate by conventionalsymbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that arepertinent to understanding the embodiments so as not to obscure thedisclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top”and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entityor element from another entity or element without necessarily requiringor implying any physical or logical relationship or order between suchentities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting of the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singularforms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms aswell, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be furtherunderstood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or“including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof.

In embodiments described herein, the joining term, “in communicationwith” and the like, may be used to indicate electrical or datacommunication, which may be accomplished by physical contact, induction,electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling oroptical signaling, for example. One having ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that multiple components may interoperate andmodifications and variations are possible of achieving the electricaland data communication.

In some embodiments described herein, the term “coupled,” “connected,”and the like, may be used herein to indicate a connection, although notnecessarily directly, and may include wired and/or wireless connections.

The term “network node” used herein can be any kind of network nodecomprised in a radio network which may further comprise any of basestation (BS), radio base station, base transceiver station (BTS), basestation controller (BSC), radio network controller (RNC), g Node B(gNB), evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB), Node B, multi-standard radio(MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, multi-cell/multicast coordinationentity (MCE), relay node, integrated access and backhaul, donor nodecontrolling relay, radio access point (AP), transmission points,transmission nodes, Remote Radio Unit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH), acore network node (e.g., mobile management entity (MME), self-organizingnetwork (SON) node, a coordinating node, positioning node, MDT node,etc.), an external node (e.g., 3rd party node, a node external to thecurrent network), nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), a spectrumaccess system (SAS) node, an element management system (EMS), etc. Thenetwork node may also comprise test equipment. The term “radio node”used herein may be used to also denote a wireless device (WD) such as awireless device (WD) or a radio network node.

In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms wireless device (WD) or auser equipment (UE) are used interchangeably. The WD herein can be anytype of wireless device capable of communicating with a network node oranother WD over radio signals, such as wireless device (WD). The WD mayalso be a radio communication device, target device, device to device(D2D) WD, machine type WD or WD capable of machine to machinecommunication (M2M), low-cost and/or low-complexity WD, a sensorequipped with WD, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embeddedequipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, CustomerPremises Equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, or aNarrowband IoT (NB-IoT) device, etc.

Also, in some embodiments the generic term “radio network node” is used.It can be any kind of a radio network node which may comprise any ofbase station, radio base station, base transceiver station, base stationcontroller, network controller, RNC, evolved Node B (eNB), Node B, gNB,Multi-cell/multicast Coordination Entity (MCE), relay node, integratedaccess and backhaul node, access point, radio access point, Remote RadioUnit (RRU) Remote Radio Head (RRH).

Note that although terminology from one particular wireless system, suchas, for example, 3GPP LTE and/or New Radio (NR), may be used in thisdisclosure, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of thedisclosure to only the aforementioned system. Other wireless systems,including without limitation Wide Band Code Division Multiple Access(WCDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), UltraMobile Broadband (UMB) and Global System for Mobile Communications(GSM), may also benefit from exploiting the ideas covered within thisdisclosure.

It should be understood that, in some embodiments, signaling maygenerally comprise one or more symbols and/or signals and/or messages. Asignal may comprise or represent one or more bits. An indication mayrepresent signaling, and/or be implemented as a signal, or as aplurality of signals. One or more signals may be included in and/orrepresented by a message. Signaling, in particular control signaling,may comprise a plurality of signals and/or messages, which may betransmitted on different carriers and/or be associated to differentsignaling processes, e.g. representing and/or pertaining to one or moresuch processes and/or corresponding information. An indication maycomprise signaling, and/or a plurality of signals and/or messages and/ormay be comprised therein, which may be transmitted on different carriersand/or be associated to different acknowledgement signaling processes,e.g. representing and/or pertaining to one or more such processes.Signaling associated to a channel may be transmitted such that itrepresents signaling and/or information for that channel, and/or thatthe signaling is interpreted by the transmitter and/or receiver tobelong to that channel. Such signaling may generally comply withtransmission parameters and/or format/s for the channel.

An indication generally may explicitly and/or implicitly indicate theinformation it represents and/or indicates. Implicit indication may forexample be based on position and/or resource used for transmission.Explicit indication may for example be based on a parametrization withone or more parameters, and/or one or more index or indices, and/or oneor more bit patterns representing the information. It may in particularbe considered that the RRC signaling as described herein may indicatewhat subframes or signals to use for one or more of the measurementsdescribed herein and under what conditions and/or operational modes.

Configuring a radio node, in particular a terminal or user equipment orthe WD 22, may refer to the radio node being adapted or caused or setand/or instructed to operate according to the configuration. Configuringmay be done by another device, e.g., a network node 16 (for example, aradio node of the network like a base station or eNodeB) or network, inwhich case configuring may comprise transmitting configuration data tothe radio node to be configured. Such configuration data may representthe configuration to be configured and/or comprise one or moreinstruction pertaining to a configuration, e.g. a configuration fortransmitting and/or receiving on allocated resources, in particularfrequency resources, or e.g., configuration for performing certainmeasurements on certain subframes or radio resources. A radio node mayconfigure itself, e.g., based on configuration data received from anetwork or network node 16. A network node 16 may use, and/or be adaptedto use, its circuitry for configuring a WD 22. Allocation informationmay be considered a form of configuration data. Configuration data maycomprise and/or be represented by configuration information, and/or oneor more corresponding indications and/or message/s.

Generally, configuring may include determining configuration datarepresenting the configuration and providing, e.g. transmitting, thedata to one or more other nodes (parallel and/or sequentially), whichmay transmit the data further to the radio node (or another node, whichmay be repeated until the data reaches the wireless device 22).Alternatively, or additionally, configuring a radio node, e.g., by anetwork node 16 or other device, may include receiving configurationdata and/or data pertaining to configuration data, e.g., from anothernode like a network node 16, which may be a higher-level node of thenetwork, and/or transmitting received configuration data to the radionode. Accordingly, determining a configuration and transmitting theconfiguration data to the radio node may be performed by differentnetwork nodes or entities, which may be able to communicate via asuitable interface, e.g., an X2 interface in the case of LTE or acorresponding interface for NR. Configuring a terminal (e.g. WD 22) maycomprise scheduling downlink and/or uplink transmissions for theterminal, e.g. downlink data and/or downlink control signaling and/orDCI and/or uplink control or data or communication signaling, inparticular acknowledgement signaling, and/or configuring resourcesand/or a resource pool therefor. In particular, configuring a terminal(e.g. WD 22) may comprise configuring the WD 22 to perform certainmeasurements on certain subframes or radio resources and reporting suchmeasurements according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Note further, that functions described herein as being performed by awireless device or a network node may be distributed over a plurality ofwireless devices and/or network nodes. In other words, it iscontemplated that the functions of the network node and wireless devicedescribed herein are not limited to performance by a single physicaldevice and, in fact, can be distributed among several physical devices.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It willbe further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted ashaving a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context ofthis specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted inan idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Embodiments provide for reduction of the size of the downlink controlinformation, DCI, transmitted by a network node. According to oneaspect, a network node is configured to operate in one of two modes, onemode providing a first number of bits in a first DCI message and anothermode providing a second number of bits in a second DCI message, thesecond number of bits being less than the first number of bits in atleast one field, the fields including but not limited to: a MCS field;an RV field; and a HARQ process field.

Returning to the drawing figures, in which like elements are referred toby like reference numerals, there is shown in FIG. 2 a schematic diagramof a communication system 10, according to an embodiment, such as a3GPP-type cellular network that may support standards such as LTE and/orNR (5G), which comprises an access network 12, such as a radio accessnetwork, and a core network 14. The access network 12 comprises aplurality of network nodes 16 a, 16 b, 16 c (referred to collectively asnetwork nodes 16), such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wirelessaccess points, each defining a corresponding coverage area 18 a, 18 b,18 c (referred to collectively as coverage areas 18). Each network node16 a, 16 b, 16 c is connectable to the core network 14 over a wired orwireless connection 20. A first wireless device (WD) 22 a located incoverage area 18 a is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be pagedby, the corresponding network node 16 c. A second WD 22 b in coveragearea 18 b is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding network node 16a. While a plurality of WDs 22 a, 22 b (collectively referred to aswireless devices 22) are illustrated in this example, the disclosedembodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole WD is inthe coverage area or where a sole WD is connecting to the correspondingnetwork node 16. Note that although only two WDs 22 and three networknodes 16 are shown for convenience, the communication system may includemany more WDs 22 and network nodes 16.

Also, it is contemplated that a WD 22 can be in simultaneouscommunication and/or configured to separately communicate with more thanone network node 16 and more than one type of network node 16. Forexample, a WD 22 can have dual connectivity with a network node 16 thatsupports LTE and the same or a different network node 16 that supportsNR. As an example, WS 22 can be in communication with an eNB forLTE/E-UTRAN and a gNB for NR/NG-RAN.

The communication system 10 may itself be connected to a host computer24, which may be embodied in the hardware and/or software of astandalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server oras processing resources in a server farm. The host computer 24 may beunder the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operatedby the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. Theconnections 26, 28 between the communication system 10 and the hostcomputer 24 may extend directly from the core network 14 to the hostcomputer 24 or may extend via an optional intermediate network 30. Theintermediate network 30 may be one of, or a combination of more than oneof, a public, private or hosted network. The intermediate network 30, ifany, may be a backbone network or the Internet. In some embodiments, theintermediate network 30 may comprise two or more sub-networks (notshown).

The communication system of FIG. 2 as a whole enables connectivitybetween one of the connected WDs 22 a, 22 b and the host computer 24.The connectivity may be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection.The host computer 24 and the connected WDs 22 a, 22 b are configured tocommunicate data and/or signaling via the OTT connection, using theaccess network 12, the core network 14, any intermediate network 30 andpossible further infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. The OTTconnection may be transparent in the sense that at least some of theparticipating communication devices through which the OTT connectionpasses are unaware of routing of uplink and downlink communications. Forexample, a network node 16 may not or need not be informed about thepast routing of an incoming downlink communication with data originatingfrom a host computer 24 to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to aconnected WD 22 a. Similarly, the network node 16 need not be aware ofthe future routing of an outgoing uplink communication originating fromthe WD 22 a towards the host computer 24.

A network node 16 is configured to include a mode selector unit 32 whichis configured to select between a first mode of operation and a secondmode of operation. The selecting may be based on, at least implicitly, asize of the PDCCH and/or on operational conditions and/or reliabilityrequirements and/or configured parameters. A size of the PDCCH may referto a number of bits of the PDCCH, a number of resource elements neededfor transmission of the PDCCH, size in resource elements of the searchspace or a control resource set for monitoring the PDCCH. In the firstmode of operation the network node 16 selects or generates a first DCImessage having a first number of bits. In the second mode of operationthe network node 16 selects or generates a second DCI message having asecond number of bits less than the first number of bits in at least onefield of a DCI message, the fields of the DCI message including: an MCSfield; an RV field; and a HARQ process field. Note that any field sizeof a DCI message may be used to define the size of the second DCImessage including a field of size “null” (in other words a field size ofzero bits). The network node 16 also has a DCI formatting unit 34 (shownin FIG. 3) configured to format the DCI message to have the number ofbits corresponding to the selected operating mode. A wireless device 22is configured to include a DCI decoder unit 36 which is configured todecode the DCI received from the network node. Operation in a mode ofoperation may further include transmitting the DCI message (in the caseof the network node) and communicating with the network node based onthe received DCI (in the case of the wireless device). The communicatingmay optionally include monitoring resources scheduled with the DCImessage and/or decoding received signaling based on the MCS field (orimplicitly assuming an MCS based on MCS size or presence) and/or RVfield, and/or providing HARQ feedback.

Example implementations, in accordance with an embodiment, of the WD 22,network node 16 and host computer 24 discussed in the precedingparagraphs will now be described with reference to FIG. 3. In acommunication system 10, a host computer 24 comprises hardware (HW) 38including a communication interface 40 configured to set up and maintaina wired or wireless connection with an interface of a differentcommunication device of the communication system 10. The host computer24 further comprises processing circuitry 42, which may have storageand/or processing capabilities. The processing circuitry 42 may includea processor 44 and memory 46. In particular, in addition to or insteadof a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, theprocessing circuitry 42 may comprise integrated circuitry for processingand/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/or processor coresand/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or ASICs

(Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to executeinstructions. The processor 44 may be configured to access (e.g., writeto and/or read from) memory 46, which may comprise any kind of volatileand/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memory and/or RAM(Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/or opticalmemory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Processing circuitry 42 may be configured to control any of the methodsand/or processes described herein and/or to cause such methods, and/orprocesses to be performed, e.g., by host computer 24. Processor 44corresponds to one or more processors 44 for performing host computer 24functions described herein. The host computer 24 includes memory 46 thatis configured to store data, programmatic software code and/or otherinformation described herein. In some embodiments, the software 48and/or the host application 50 may include instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor 44 and/or processing circuitry 42, causes theprocessor 44 and/or processing circuitry 42 to perform the processesdescribed herein with respect to host computer 24. The instructions maybe software associated with the host computer 24.

The software 48 may be executable by the processing circuitry 42. Thesoftware 48 includes a host application 50. The host application 50 maybe operable to provide a service to a remote user, such as a WD 22connecting via an OTT connection 52 terminating at the WD 22 and thehost computer 24. In providing the service to the remote user, the hostapplication 50 may provide user data which is transmitted using the OTTconnection 52. The “user data” may be data and information describedherein as implementing the described functionality. In one embodiment,the host computer 24 may be configured for providing control andfunctionality to a service provider and may be operated by the serviceprovider or on behalf of the service provider. The processing circuitry42 of the host computer 24 may enable the host computer 24 to observe,monitor, control, transmit to and/or receive from the network node 16and or the wireless device 22.

The communication system 10 further includes a network node 16 providedin a communication system 10 and comprising hardware 58 enabling thenetwork node 16 to communicate with the host computer 24 and with the WD22. The hardware 58 may include a communication interface 60 for settingup and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with an interface of adifferent communication device of the communication system 10, as wellas a radio interface 62 for setting up and maintaining at least awireless connection 64 with a WD 22 located in a coverage area 18 servedby the network node 16. The radio interface 62 may be formed as or mayinclude, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RFreceivers, and/or one or more RF transceivers. The communicationinterface 60 may be configured to facilitate a connection 66 to the hostcomputer 24. The connection 66 may be direct or it may pass through acore network 14 of the communication system 10 and/or through one ormore intermediate networks 30 outside the communication system 10.

In the embodiment shown, the hardware 58 of the network node 16 furtherincludes processing circuitry 68. The processing circuitry 68 mayinclude a processor 70 and a memory 72. In particular, in addition to orinstead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory,the processing circuitry 68 may comprise integrated circuitry forprocessing and/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/or processorcores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or ASICs(Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to executeinstructions. The processor 70 may be configured to access (e.g., writeto and/or read from) the memory 72, which may comprise any kind ofvolatile and/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memoryand/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/oroptical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Thus, the network node 16 further has software 74 stored internally in,for example, memory 72, or stored in external memory (e.g., database,storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by the networknode 16 via an external connection. The software 74 may be executable bythe processing circuitry 68. The processing circuitry 68 may beconfigured to control any of the methods and/or processes describedherein and/or to cause such methods, and/or processes to be performed,e.g., by network node 16. Processor 70 corresponds to one or moreprocessors 70 for performing network node 16 functions described herein.The memory 72 is configured to store data, programmatic software codeand/or other information described herein. In some embodiments, thesoftware 74 may include instructions that, when executed by theprocessor 70 and/or processing circuitry 68, causes the processor 70and/or processing circuitry 68 to perform the processes described hereinwith respect to network node 16. For example, processing circuitry 68 ofthe network node 16 may include a mode selector unit 32 which isconfigured to select between a first mode of operation and a second modeof operation. The first mode of operation includes selecting orgenerating a first DCI message having a first number of bits. The secondmode of operation includes selecting or generating a second DCI messagehaving a second number of bits less than the first number of bits in atleast one field of a DCI message, the fields of the DCI messageincluding: an MCS field; an RV field; and a HARQ process field. Theprocessing circuitry 68 also has a DCI formatting unit 34 configured toformat the DCI message to have the number of bits corresponding to theselected operating node. The communication system 10 further includesthe WD 22 already referred to. The WD 22 may have hardware 80 that mayinclude a radio interface 82 configured to set up and maintain awireless connection 64 with a network node 16 serving a coverage area 18in which the WD 22 is currently located. The radio interface 82 may beformed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, oneor more RF receivers, and/or one or more RF transceivers.

The hardware 80 of the WD 22 further includes processing circuitry 84.The processing circuitry 84 may include a processor 86 and memory 88. Inparticular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a centralprocessing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 84 may compriseintegrated circuitry for processing and/or control, e.g., one or moreprocessors and/or processor cores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable GateArray) and/or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adaptedto execute instructions. The processor 86 may be configured to access(e.g., write to and/or read from) memory 88, which may comprise any kindof volatile and/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memoryand/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/oroptical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Thus, the WD 22 may further comprise software 90, which is stored in,for example, memory 88 at the WD 22, or stored in external memory (e.g.,database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible by theWD 22. The software 90 may be executable by the processing circuitry 84.The software 90 may include a client application 92. The clientapplication 92 may be operable to provide a service to a human ornon-human user via the WD 22, with the support of the host computer 24.In the host computer 24, an executing host application 50 maycommunicate with the executing client application 92 via the OTTconnection 52 terminating at the WD 22 and the host computer 24. Inproviding the service to the user, the client application 92 may receiverequest data from the host application 50 and provide user data inresponse to the request data. The OTT connection 52 may transfer boththe request data and the user data. The client application 92 mayinteract with the user to generate the user data that it provides.

The processing circuitry 84 may be configured to control any of themethods and/or processes described herein and/or to cause such methods,and/or processes to be performed, e.g., by WD 22. The processor 86corresponds to one or more processors 86 for performing

WD 22 functions described herein. The WD 22 includes memory 88 that isconfigured to store data, programmatic software code and/or otherinformation described herein. In some embodiments, the software 90and/or the client application 92 may include instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor 86 and/or processing circuitry 84, causes theprocessor 86 and/or processing circuitry 84 to perform the processesdescribed herein with respect to WD 22. For example, the processingcircuitry 84 of the wireless device 22 may include a DCI decoder unit 36which is configured to decode the DCI received from the network node.

In some embodiments, the inner workings of the network node 16, WD 22,and host computer 24 may be as shown in FIG. 3 and independently, thesurrounding network topology may be that of FIG. 2.

In FIG. 3, the OTT connection 52 has been drawn abstractly to illustratethe communication between the host computer 24 and the wireless device22 via the network node 16, without explicit reference to anyintermediary devices and the precise routing of messages via thesedevices. Network infrastructure may determine the routing, which it maybe configured to hide from the WD 22 or from the service provideroperating the host computer 24, or both. While the OTT connection 52 isactive, the network infrastructure may further take decisions by whichit dynamically changes the routing (e.g., on the basis of load balancingconsideration or reconfiguration of the network).

The wireless connection 64 between the WD 22 and the network node 16 isin accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughoutthis disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve theperformance of OTT services provided to the WD 22 using the OTTconnection 52, in which the wireless connection 64 may form the lastsegment. More precisely, the teachings of some of these embodiments mayimprove the data rate, latency, and/or power consumption and therebyprovide benefits such as reduced user waiting time, relaxed restrictionon file size, better responsiveness, extended battery lifetime, etc.

In some embodiments, a measurement procedure may be provided for thepurpose of monitoring data rate, latency and other factors on which theone or more embodiments improve. There may further be an optionalnetwork functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 52 betweenthe host computer 24 and WD 22, in response to variations in themeasurement results. The measurement procedure and/or the networkfunctionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 52 may be implementedin the software 48 of the host computer 24 or in the software 90 of theWD 22, or both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed inor in association with communication devices through which the OTTconnection 52 passes; the sensors may participate in the measurementprocedure by supplying values of the monitored quantities exemplifiedabove, or supplying values of other physical quantities from whichsoftware 48, 90 may compute or estimate the monitored quantities. Thereconfiguring of the OTT connection 52 may include message format,retransmission settings, preferred routing etc.; the reconfiguring neednot affect the network node 16, and it may be unknown or imperceptibleto the network node 16. Some such procedures and functionalities may beknown and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, measurements mayinvolve proprietary WD signaling facilitating the host computer's 24measurements of throughput, propagation times, latency and the like. Insome embodiments, the measurements may be implemented in that thesoftware 48, 90 causes messages to be transmitted, in particular emptyor ‘dummy’ messages, using the OTT connection 52 while it monitorspropagation times, errors etc.

Thus, in some embodiments, the host computer 24 includes processingcircuitry 42 configured to provide user data and a communicationinterface 40 that is configured to forward the user data to a cellularnetwork for transmission to the WD 22. In some embodiments, the cellularnetwork also includes the network node 16 with a radio interface 62. Insome embodiments, the network node 16 is configured to, and/or thenetwork node's 16 processing circuitry 68 is configured to perform thefunctions and/or methods described herein forpreparing/initiating/maintaining/supporting/ending a transmission to theWD 22, and/or preparing/terminating/maintaining/supporting/ending inreceipt of a transmission from the WD 22.

In some embodiments, the host computer 24 includes processing circuitry42 and a communication interface 40 that is configured to acommunication interface 40 configured to receive user data originatingfrom a transmission from a WD 22 to a network node 16. In someembodiments, the WD 22 is configured to, and/or comprises a radiointerface 82 and/or processing circuitry 84 configured to perform thefunctions and/or methods described herein forpreparing/initiating/maintaining/supporting/ending a transmission to thenetwork node 16, and/orpreparing/terminating/maintaining/supporting/ending in receipt of atransmission from the network node 16.

Although FIGS. 2 and 3 show various “units” such as the mode selectorunit 32, the DCI formatting unit 34, and the DCI decoder unit 36 asbeing within a respective processor, it is contemplated that these unitsmay be implemented such that a portion of the unit is stored in acorresponding memory within the processing circuitry. In other words,the units may be implemented in hardware or in a combination of hardwareand software within the processing circuitry.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an alternative host computer 24, which maybe implemented at least in part by software modules containing softwareexecutable by a processor to perform the functions described herein. Thehost computer 24 include a communication interface module 41 configuredto set up and maintain a wired or wireless connection with an interfaceof a different communication device of the communication system 10. Thememory module 47 is configured to store data, programmatic software codeand/or other information described herein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an alternative network node 16, which maybe implemented at least in part by software modules containing softwareexecutable by a processor to perform the functions described herein. Thenetwork node 16 includes a radio interface module 63 configured forsetting up and maintaining at least a wireless connection 64 with a WD22 located in a coverage area 18 served by the network node 16. Thenetwork node 16 also includes a communication interface module 61configured for setting up and maintaining a wired or wireless connectionwith an interface of a different communication device of thecommunication system 10. The communication interface module 61 may alsobe configured to facilitate a connection 66 to the host computer 24. Thememory module 73 that is configured to store data, programmatic softwarecode and/or other information described herein. The mode selector module33 is configured to select between the first mode of operation and thesecond mode of operation as described herein. DCI formatting module 35is configured to format the number of bits in each field of the DCImessage according to the selected operating mode.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an alternative wireless device 22, whichmay be implemented at least in part by software modules containingsoftware executable by a processor to perform the functions describedherein. The WD 22 includes a radio interface module 83 configured to setup and maintain a wireless connection 64 with a network node 16 servinga coverage area 18 in which the WD 22 is currently located. The memorymodule 89 is configured to store data, programmatic software code and/orother information described herein. The DCI decoder module 37 isconfigured to decode the DCI received from the network node 16.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in acommunication system, such as, for example, the communication system ofFIGS. 2 and 3, in accordance with one embodiment. The communicationsystem may include a host computer 24, a network node 16 and a WD 22,which may be those described with reference to FIG. 3. In a first stepof the method, the host computer 24 provides user data (block S100). Inan optional substep of the first step, the host computer 24 provides theuser data by executing a host application, such as, for example, thehost application 74 (block S102). In a second step, the host computer 24initiates a transmission carrying the user data to the WD 22 (blockS104). In an optional third step, the network node 16 transmits to theWD 22 the user data which was carried in the transmission that the hostcomputer 22 initiated, in accordance with the teachings of theembodiments described throughout this disclosure (block S106). In anoptional fourth step, the WD 22 executes a client application, such as,for example, the client application 114, associated with the hostapplication 74 executed by the host computer 24 (block S108).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in acommunication system, such as, for example, the communication system ofFIG. 2, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system mayinclude a host computer 24, a network node 16 and a WD 22, which may bethose described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In a first step of themethod, the host computer 24 provides user data (block S110). In anoptional substep (not shown) the host computer 24 provides the user databy executing a host application, such as, for example, the hostapplication 74. In a second step, the host computer 24 initiates atransmission carrying the user data to the WD 22 (block S112). Thetransmission may pass via the network node 16, in accordance with theteachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In anoptional third step, the WD 22 receives the user data carried in thetransmission (block S114).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in acommunication system, such as, for example, the communication system ofFIG. 2, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system mayinclude a host computer 24, a network node 16 and a WD 22, which may bethose described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In an optional firststep of the method, the WD 22 receives input data provided by the hostcomputer 24 (block S116). In an optional substep of the first step, theWD 22 executes the client application 114, which provides the user datain reaction to the received input data provided by the host computer 24(block S118). Additionally or alternatively, in an optional second step,the WD 22 provides user data (block S120). In an optional substep of thesecond step, the WD 22 provides the user data by executing a clientapplication, such as, for example, client application 114 (block S122).In providing the user data, the executed client application 114 mayfurther consider user input received from the user. Regardless of thespecific manner in which the user data was provided, the WD 22 mayinitiate, in an optional third substep, transmission of the user data tothe host computer 24 (block S124). In a fourth step of the method, thehost computer 24 receives the user data transmitted from the WD 22, inaccordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughoutthis disclosure (block S126).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method implemented in acommunication system, such as, for example, the communication system ofFIG. 2, in accordance with one embodiment. The communication system mayinclude a host computer 24, a network node 16 and a WD 22, which may bethose described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In an optional firststep of the method, in accordance with the teachings of the embodimentsdescribed throughout this disclosure, the network node 16 receives userdata from the WD 22 (block S128). In an optional second step, thenetwork node 16 initiates transmission of the received user data to thehost computer 24 (block S130). In a third step, the host computer 24receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by thenetwork node 16 (block S132).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a network node 16 forgenerating compact DCI in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by oneor more elements of network node 16 such as by one or more of processingcircuitry 68 (including the mode selector unit 32 and DCI formattingunit 34), processor 70, radio interface 62 and/or communicationinterface 60. Network node 16 via processing circuitry 68 and/orprocessor 70 and/or radio interface 62 and/or communication interface 60is configured to select between a first mode of operation and a secondmode of operation (Block S134). The processor 70 operates in theselected mode (Block S135). The first mode of operation includesselecting or generating, via the processor 70, a first DCI messagehaving a first number of bits (Block S136). The second mode of operationincludes selecting or generating a second DCI message having a secondnumber of bits less than the first number of bits in at least one fieldof a DCI message, the fields of the DCI message including (Block S138):an MCS field, an RV field, and a HARQ process field (Block S140).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a wireless device 22according to some embodiments of the present disclosure for decodingcompact DCI in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or moreelements of wireless device 22 such as by one or more of processingcircuitry 84 (including the DCI decoder unit 36), processor 86, radiointerface 82 and/or communication interface 60. Wireless device 22, viaprocessing circuitry 84 and/or processor 86 and/or radio interface 82 isconfigured to select between a first mode of operation and a second modeof operation, the selecting being based on signaling from the networknode (Block S144). The processor 86 operates in the selected mode (BlockS145). The first mode of operation includes receiving, via the radiointerface 82, and decoding, via the DCI decoder unit 36, a first DCImessage having a first number of bits (Block S146). The second mode ofoperation includes receiving and decoding a second DCI message having asecond number of bits less than the first number of bits in at least onefield of a DCI message, the fields of the DCI message including (BlockS148): an MCS field, an RV field, and a HARQ process field (Block S150)

Having described the general process flow of arrangements of thedisclosure and having provided examples of hardware and softwarearrangements for implementing the processes and functions of thedisclosure, the sections below provide details and examples ofarrangements for achieving compact DCI. The compact DCI messagegenerated according to the below-described methods is small incomparison to a legacy DCI size, which makes it possible to achievelower channel coding rates, thereby increasing reliability of DCItransmissions.

Embodiments: MCS Field Shortening

In legacy LTE and NR, the MCS field in DCI has 5 bits, providing, inprinciple, 32 combinations of modulation and coding rate that can besignaled to the WD 22. Every MCS has a spectrum efficiency limit andcertain level of robustness such that an MCS with highest index is mostefficient and at the same time less robust. On the contrary, an MCS withlowest index is least efficient, but most robust. A network node 16 maytry to allocate an MCS according to radio channel conditions. Based onthe above disclosure, some embodiments format, via the DCI formattingunit 34, an MCS field according to the following:

In one embodiment, the full version of an MCS table or a full version ofa new table to be specified in 3GPP can be punctured or down sampled:

-   -   taking even or odd entries from a full MCS table, gives a 4-bit        MCS field;    -   the MCS table can align with a channel quality index (CQI)        table, which has 16 entries, thereby providing a 4-bit MCS        field.

In another embodiment, the MCS table can be partitioned into subsets,with each subset applicable to a certain available signal to noise ratio(SNR) range. For example, a partition into two subsets can be done basedon good or bad SNR conditions. The subsets may be known to the WD 22 andmay be fixed.

In another embodiment, the MCS table can be partitioned into subsets,with each subset corresponding to a different target reliability at theWD 22. For example, a partition into two subsets can be done based on aconfigured target block error rate (BLER).

In another embodiment, the MCS subset to be used by the network node 16and WD 22 is fixed, either for the whole transmission period orpreconfigured in a semi static way via a radio resource control (RRC)configuration.

In one embodiment, multiple MCS subsets are preconfigured in a semistatic way via a RRC configuration:

-   -   Which subset to use is RRC configured or implicitly defined by        other parameters such as the configured target BLER.

In another embodiment, the subset to be used by the WD 22 is conditionedwith the measured channel quality. Depending on the number of configuredsubsets, event 1A/1B reporting (for up to two subsets) or a channelquality indicator (CQI) threshold can be used to decide which subset isused.

In another embodiment, the subset to be used for decoding is eitherimplicitly or explicitly encoded in the DCI. Implicit methods includeassociation of the MCS field with a certain bandwidth allocation (highbandwidth means low MCS) or other implicit mechanism. Explicit methodsinclude signaling of the subset using dedicated bits in the DCI message.

The MCS and the CQI reports may be tightly connected and therefore achange in the MCS subset table may be reflected in CQI reports.

In one embodiment, the CQI reports can be configured to follow the MCSused in the subframe/subslot/slot where the channel measurement tookplace. The WD 22 then proceeds to use the corresponding subset of CQIvalues from the existing CQI table from the 3GPP specification or anynew table to be specified.

In another embodiment, the CQI reports are based on the existing CQItable, i.e., 4-bit long. Based on the received CQI report, the networknode 16 chooses an MCS appropriately from the known MCS subset.

Embodiment: RV Field Shortening

Since redundancy versions should be signaled along with MCS to enableincremental redundancy (IR), some embodiments can be applied to the RVfield to format, via the DCI formatting unit 34, the RV field accordingto the following:

In one embodiment, only one redundancy version is used in alltransmissions/retransmissions, because in poor radio conditions withrates below 1/3 (for LTE, Turbo Coding) or 1/5 (for NR, low densityparity check (LDPC) base graph 2 (BG2)), incremental redundancy may notbring any gain compared to Chase combining. Thus, the RV field can beomitted in this embodiment.

In another embodiment, an order of RV transmissions can be defined inthe standard, e.g., (0, 3, 0, 3, 0, 3 etc.). Therefore, the WD 22 canimplicitly assume an RV index according to a transmission attemptnumber.

In another embodiment, two RVs can be used, making the length of the RV1 bit:

-   -   The RVs with maximum self-decodability, e.g., RV 0 and 3 may be        used. This has a benefit of facilitating high reliable HARQ-free        transmission or automatic retransmission, especially in        scenarios where the first transmission can be missed.

Embodiment: HARQ Process Number Field Shortening

In contrast with streaming traffic, services such as URLLC have asporadic traffic model, when data arrives periodically orsemi-periodically with relatively long pauses in between, e.g., once persecond. Moreover, a HARQ timeline for latency sensitive service tends tobe as short as possible, which almost eliminates overlapping of two HARQprocesses in time. Therefore, the field indicating a HARQ process can beshortened or even omitted, via the DCI formatting unit 34, according toone of the following options:

In one embodiment, the HARQ process field can be 1 or 2 bits, allowing 2or 4 simultaneous processes.

In another embodiment, the HARQ process field is omitted from the DCImessage, allowing only one HARQ process signaling.

Despite shortening or omitting the HARQ process field, some rules areshown below to have a mapping between normal HARQ process enumerations.

In case of omitting or shortening of the HARQ process field, the WD 22and network node 16 can assume that the compact DCI always signals theprocess number 0 (or any other allowed number) or maintains a mappingtable between signaled and legacy HARQ numbers.

In case of omitting the HARQ process field, the WD 22 and network node16 can assume that compact DCI always signals the special processdedicated for data transmission such as URLLC.

Thus, some embodiments include a network node 16 configured tocommunicate with a wireless device, WD 22. The network node 16 isconfigured to select between a first mode of operation and a second modeof operation. The network node 16 is further configured to operate inthe selected mode. The first mode of operation includes selecting orgenerating a first DCI message having a first number of bits. The secondmode of operation includes selecting or generating a second DCI messagehaving a second number of bits less than the first number of bits in atleast one field of a DCI message, the fields of the DCI messageincluding: a MCS field, an RV field, and a HARQ process field.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the first and second DCImessages include scheduling messages for scheduling a data transmissionor a physical downlink shared channel, PDSCH, transmission. In someembodiments, the second DCI message has fewer than 5 MCS bits andindicates a subset of a table of configurable modulation and codingschemes. In some embodiments, a subset of modulation and coding schemesis selected based on a measure of channel quality. In some embodiments,the RV field has one bit or no bit, one bit indicating two RVs and nobit indicating one RV. In some embodiments, the HARQ process field hastwo bits, one bit or no bit, indicating four, two or one HARQ processes,respectively. According to another aspect, a method implemented in anetwork node 16 is provided.

The method includes selecting between a first mode of operation and asecond mode of operation (Block S134). The method also includesoperating in the selected mode (Block S135). The first mode of operationincludes selecting or generating a first DCI message having a firstnumber of bits (Block S136). The second mode of operation includingselecting or generating a second DCI message having a second number ofbits less than the first number of bits in at least one field of a DCImessage, the fields of the DCI message including (BlockS138): an MCSfield, an RV field, and a HARQ process field (Block S140).

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the first and second DCImessages include scheduling messages for scheduling a data transmissionor a physical downlink shared channel, PDSCH, transmission. In someembodiments, the second DCI message has fewer than 5 MCS bits andindicates a subset of a table of configurable modulation and codingschemes. In some embodiments, a subset of modulation and coding schemesis selected based on a measure of channel quality. In some embodiments,the RV field has one bit or no bit, one bit indicating two RVs and nobit indicating one RV. In some embodiments, the HARQ process field hastwo bits, one bit or no bit, indicating four, two or one HARQ processes,respectively.

According to yet another aspect, a wireless device, WD 22, is configuredto communicate with a network node 16. The WD 22 is configured to selectbetween a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The WD22 is also configured to operate in the selected mode. The first mode ofoperation includes receiving and decoding a first DCI message having afirst number of bits. The second mode of operation includes receivingand decoding a second DCI message having a second number of bits lessthan the first number of bits in at least one field of a DCI message,the fields of the DCI message including: an MCS field, an RV field, anda HARQ process field.

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, when there is no RVfield, the WD 22 assumes only one RV. In some embodiments, when there isno HARQ process field, the WD 22 assumes only one HARQ process. In someembodiments, the first and second DCI messages include schedulingmessages for scheduling a data transmission or a physical downlinkshared channel, PDSCH, transmission.

According to another aspect, a method implemented in a wireless device,WD 22, is provided. The method includes selecting between a first modeof operation and a second mode of operation (Block S144). The methodalso includes operating in the selected mode (Block S145). The firstmode of operation includes receiving and decoding a first DCI messagehaving a first number of bits (Block S146). The second mode of operationincludes receiving and decoding a second DCI message having a secondnumber of bits less than the first number of bits in at least one fieldof a DCI message, the fields of the DCI message including (Block S148):an MCS field, an RV field, and a HARQ process field (Block S150).

According to this aspect, in some embodiments, when there is no RVfield, the WD 22 assumes only one RV. In some embodiments, when there isno HARQ process field, the WD 22 assumes only one HARQ process. In someembodiments, the first and second DCI messages include schedulingmessages for scheduling a data transmission or a physical downlinkshared channel, PDSCH, transmission.

Some embodiments include the following:

Embodiment 1. A network node configured to communicate with a wirelessdevice, WD, the network node configured to, and/or comprising a radiointerface and/or comprising processing circuitry configured to:

generate a short downlink control information, DCI, message omitting atleast one bit of at least one of the following fields:

-   -   a modulation and coding scheme, MCS, field;    -   a redundancy version, RV, field; and    -   a hybrid automatic repeat request, HARQ, field.

Embodiment 2. The network node of Embodiment 1, wherein the short DCIhas fewer than 5 MCS field bits.

Embodiment 3. The network node of Embodiment 1, wherein the MCS fieldrepresent only a subset of modulation and coding schemes that may beutilized by the network node.

Embodiment 4. The network node of Embodiment 3, wherein the subset ofmodulation and coding schemes is selected based on a channel qualityindicator.

Embodiment 5. The network node of Embodiment 4, wherein the subset isexplicitly identified to the WD by signaling from the network node.

Embodiment 6. The network node of Embodiment 1, wherein there is no RVfield.

Embodiment 7. The network node of Embodiment 1, wherein the RV field is1 bit.

Embodiment 8. The network node of Embodiment 1, wherein the HARQ fieldis less than three bits.

Embodiment 9. A method implemented in a network node, the methodcomprising:

generating a short downlink control information, DCI, message omittingat least one bit of at least one of the following fields:

-   -   a modulation and coding scheme, MCS, field;    -   a redundancy version, RV, field; and    -   a hybrid automatic repeat request, HARQ, field.

Embodiment 10. The method of Embodiment 9, wherein the short DCI hasfewer than 5 MCS field bits.

Embodiment 11. The method of Embodiment 9, wherein the MCS fieldrepresent only a subset of modulation and coding schemes that may beutilized by the network node.

Embodiment 12. The method of Embodiment 11, wherein the subset ofmodulation and coding schemes is selected based on a channel qualityindicator.

Embodiment 13. The method of Embodiment 11, wherein the subset isexplicitly identified to the WD by signaling from the network node.

Embodiment 14. The method of Embodiment 9, wherein there is no RV field.

Embodiment 15. The method of Embodiment 9, wherein the RV field is 1bit.

Embodiment 16. The method of Embodiment 9, wherein the HARQ field isless than three bits.

Embodiment 17. A wireless device, WD, configured to communicate with anetwork node, the WD configured to:

interpret a short downlink control information, DCI, message havingomitted at least one bit of at least one of the following fields:

-   -   a modulation and coding scheme, MCS, field;    -   a redundancy version, RV, field; and    -   a hybrid automatic repeat request, HARQ, field.

Embodiment 18. The WD of Embodiment 17, wherein a bit in the MCS fieldindicates one of a subset of MCS.

Embodiment 19. The WD of Embodiment 17, wherein when there is no RVfield, the WD assumes an RV.

Embodiment 20. The WD of Embodiment 17, wherein when there is no HARQfield only one HARQ process is implied.

Embodiment 21. A method implemented in a wireless device, WD, the methodcomprising:

interpreting a short downlink control information, DCI, message havingomitted at least one bit of at least one of the following fields:

-   -   a modulation and coding scheme, MCS, field;    -   a redundancy version, RV, field; and    -   a hybrid automatic repeat request, HARQ, field.

Embodiment 22. The method of Embodiment 21, wherein a bit in the MCSfield indicates one of a subset of MCS.

Embodiment 23. The method of Embodiment 21, wherein when there is no RVfield, the WD assumes an RV.

Embodiment 24. The method of Embodiment 21, wherein when there is noHARQ field only one HARQ process is implied.

Embodiment 25. A network node, comprising:

a memory module configured to store a short downlink controlinformation, DCI, message; and

a DCI generation module configured to generate a short downlink controlinformation, DCI, message omitting at least one bit of at least one ofthe following fields:

-   -   a modulation and coding scheme, MCS, field;    -   a redundancy version, RV, field; and    -   a hybrid automatic repeat request, HARQ, field.

Embodiment 26. A wireless device, comprising:

a memory module configured to store a short downlink controlinformation, DCI, message; and

a DCI interpreter module configured to interpret a short downlinkcontrol information, DCI, message having omitted at least one bit of atleast one of the following fields:

-   -   a modulation and coding scheme, MCS, field;    -   a redundancy version, RV, field; and    -   a hybrid automatic repeat request, HARQ, field.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the conceptsdescribed herein may be embodied as a method, data processing system,and/or computer program product. Accordingly, the concepts describedherein may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirelysoftware embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardwareaspects all generally referred to herein as a “circuit” or “module.”Furthermore, the disclosure may take the form of a computer programproduct on a tangible computer usable storage medium having computerprogram code embodied in the medium that can be executed by a computer.Any suitable tangible computer readable medium may be utilized includinghard disks, CD-ROMs, electronic storage devices, optical storagedevices, or magnetic storage devices.

Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, systems and computerprogram products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general purpose computer (to therebycreate a special purpose computer), special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer orother programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable memory or storage medium that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablememory produce an article of manufacture including instruction meanswhich implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

It is to be understood that the functions/acts noted in the blocks mayoccur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. Forexample, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executedsubstantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed inthe reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.Although some of the diagrams include arrows on communication paths toshow a primary direction of communication, it is to be understood thatcommunication may occur in the opposite direction to the depictedarrows.

Computer program code for carrying out operations of the conceptsdescribed herein may be written in an object oriented programminglanguage such as Java® or C++. However, the computer program code forcarrying out operations of the disclosure may also be written inconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language. The program code may execute entirely on theuser's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter scenario, theremote computer may be connected to the user's computer through a localarea network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection maybe made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet usingan Internet Service Provider).

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connectionwith the above description and the drawings. It will be understood thatit would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe andillustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments.Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/orcombination, and the present specification, including the drawings,shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of allcombinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein,and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shallsupport claims to any such combination or subcombination.

ABBREVIATIONS THAT MAY BE USED IN THE PRECEDING DESCRIPTION INCLUDE

Abbreviation Explanation 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project ALAggregation Level CCE Control Channel Elements CQI Channel QualityIndicator DCI Downlink Control Information DL Downlink HARQ HybridAutomatic Repeat Request LTE Long Term Evolution MCS Modulation andCoding Scheme NR New Radio PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel PDSCHPhysical Downlink Shared Channel PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared ChannelRRM Radio Resource Management RV Redundancy Version UE User Equipment ULUplink URLLC Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that theembodiments described herein are not limited to what has beenparticularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unlessmention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all ofthe accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modificationsand variations are possible in light of the above teachings withoutdeparting from the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating a user equipment in a NewRadio, NR, radio access network, the method comprising: transmittingsignaling based on a sounding reference signaling schedule on a carrier,the sounding reference signaling schedule scheduling transmission ofsounding reference signaling in a first time interval in a slot, thefirst time interval having a duration of one of 2 and 4 symbol timeintervals, the first time interval overlapping, in an overlap timeinterval, with a second time interval in the same slot; physical channelsignaling on a Physical Uplink Control Channel, PUCCH, being scheduledfor transmission on the same carrier for the second time interval; andthe signaling being transmitted such that, in the overlap time interval,the physical channel signaling is transmitted omitting the scheduledsounding reference signaling.
 2. The method according to claim 1,wherein the signaling comprises the sounding reference signaling and thephysical channel signaling.
 3. The method according to claim 1, whereinthe first time interval and the second time interval one of: have atleast one common symbol time interval; and only partially overlap. 4.The method according to claim 1, wherein the first time interval and thesecond time interval are identical.
 5. The method according to claim 1,wherein the first time interval and the second time interval are notidentical.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the signaling istransmitted such that sounding reference signaling scheduled for a partof the first time interval not overlapping with the second time intervalis transmitted.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the soundingreference signaling and the physical channel signaling are scheduledwith different scheduling messages.
 8. The method according to claim 1wherein the physical channel signaling corresponds to a short PUCCHtransmission spanning one of: one time interval; and two symbol timeintervals.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the signaling isSingle Carrier-Frequency Domain Multiplex signaling.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein for each of the symbols on which soundingreference signaling is transmitted, the same frequency range is soundedby the sounding reference signaling.
 11. A user equipment for a NewRadio, NR, radio access network, the user equipment being configured to:transmit signaling based on a sounding reference signaling schedule on acarrier, the sounding reference signaling schedule schedulingtransmission of sounding reference signaling in a first time interval ina slot, the first time interval having a duration of one of 2 and 4symbol time intervals, the first time interval overlapping, in anoverlap time interval, with a second time interval in the same slot;physical channel signaling on a Physical Uplink Control Channel, PUCCH,being scheduled for transmission on the same carrier for the second timeinterval; and the signaling being transmitted such that, in the overlaptime interval, the physical channel signaling is transmitted omittingthe scheduled sounding reference signaling.
 12. The user equipmentaccording to claim 11, wherein the signaling comprises the soundingreference signaling and the physical channel signaling.
 13. The userequipment according to claim 11 wherein the first time interval and thesecond time interval one of: have at least one common symbol timeinterval; and only partially overlap.
 14. The user equipment accordingto claim 11, wherein the first time interval and the second timeinterval are identical.
 15. The user equipment according to claim 11,wherein the first time interval and the second time interval are notidentical.
 16. The user equipment according to claim 11, wherein thesignaling is transmitted such that sounding reference signaling isscheduled for a part of the first time interval not overlapping with thesecond time interval is transmitted.
 17. The user equipment according toclaim 11, wherein the sounding reference signaling and the physicalchannel signaling are scheduled with different scheduling messages. 18.The user equipment according to claim 11, wherein the physical channelsignaling corresponds to a short PUCCH transmission spanning one of: onetime interval; and two symbol time intervals.
 19. The user equipmentaccording to claim 11, wherein the signaling is Single Carrier-FrequencyDomain Multiplex signaling.
 20. The user equipment according to claim11, wherein for each of the symbols on which sounding referencesignaling is transmitted, the same frequency range is sounded by thesounding reference signaling.